Low Frequency of Renal Artery Disease in Young Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: The frequency, associated risk factors and associated vascular disorders in renal artery disease have not been studied in young ischemic stroke patients. Methods: From February 1999 to June 2006, we retrospectively reviewed a total of 152 younger ischemic stroke patients (≤50 y/o). Another 30 older ischemic stroke patients (age＞50 y/o) were randomly selected and studied as controls. All 182 patients received cerebral angiography and concomitant abdominal aortography. The extent of vascular stenosis was calculated for the renal, cerebral and coronary arteries. Vascular risk factors were also studied. Results: Of the 152 younger patients, seven (4.6%) patients had renal artery disease including two (1.3%) with significant stenosis. There was no association between renal artery disease and vascular risk factors (p＞0.05). Patients with intracranial carotid and coronary artery disease had a significantly higher frequency of renal artery disease (p＜0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the frequency of renal artery disease is low in younger ischemic stroke patients. Intracranial carotid and coronary artery disease is associated with renal artery disease.